We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Laboratory Research Scientists in the area of human embryology and stem cell biology to join Dr. Kathy Niakan’s laboratory. Our lab seeks to understand gene function and to characterise gene expression during human pre-implantation development. This foundational information not only informs our understanding of human biology but also has clinical importance for infertility treatment and the therapeutic use of embryonic stem cells to treat various diseases.

The successful candidate is likely to be collaborative, energetic, focused, and productive individual. Excellent organisational, analytical, and communication skills are essential.

Project scope

Dr Niakan’s laboratory focuses on understanding the mechanisms of lineage specification in human embryos and the derivation of novel human stem cells. The post holder will report directly to the Group Leader, Kathy Niakan. Details of research projects currently being undertaken can be seen at: http://www.crick.ac.uk/kathy-niakan

The pluripotent epiblast of the early human embryo has the unique potential to give rise to the entire fetus in vivo and can self-renew indefinitely as embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in vitro. Understanding how this lineage is established is of fundamental biological importance and has significant clinical implications for both infertility treatment and the use of hESCs to treat various diseases.

The aim of this project is to further understand fundamental aspects of early human development and to use this knowledge to inform our understanding of existing stem cells and to establish novel alternative stem cells. Research techniques used in the laboratory include: molecular biology, advanced microscopy, human and mouse preimplantation embryo culture and micromanipulation, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, genome-wide techniques including single-cell RNA-sequencing combined with DNA-sequencing.

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental biology underlying health and disease. Its work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.

An independent organisation, its founding partners are the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King’s College London.

The Crick was formed in 2015, and in 2016 it moved into a new state-of-the-art building in central London which brings together 1500 scientists and support staff working collaboratively across disciplines, making it the biggest biomedical research facility under in one building in Europe.

The Francis Crick Institute will be world-class with a strong national role. Its distinctive vision for excellence includes commitments to collaboration; developing emerging talent and exporting it the rest of the UK; public engagement; and helping turn discoveries into treatments as quickly as possible to improve lives and strengthen the economy.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website.

The closing date for applications is December 21st 2018 at 23:30.

All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.